The search for new signings continues at Leeds United with The Whites already striking a deal to sign Lukas Nmecha, while Jaka Bijol is expected to arrive in the coming days.
Leeds are seemingly intent on improving the spine of their side and the addition of Bijol immediately improves the starting line-up. The Slovenia ace is expected to play alongside Joe Rodon at centre-back.
Then, Nmecha arrives to provide competition up front. The Germany international brings with him a wealth of experience from the Bundesliga, the Belgian Pro League and two seasons in the Championship.
Leeds are expected to make a big striker signing while Nmecha has only arrived to provide Leeds with back-up and competition. Now, the focus seems to be on a new midfielder with several names linked.
Leeds and West Ham interested in Brugge ace Raphael Onyedika
In recent weeks, Leeds have made a £22m bid to sign Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra, though the French side are delaying a response to Leeds. Strasbourg are waiting for other clubs to bid and increase the fee.
This week, Leeds are said to have made an offer to sign USG’s Noah Sadiki worth £8.5m. But, there are differing reports on whether a bid has been tabled for the DR Congo star, even if he is a player of interest.
Now, Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Leeds are interested in signing Club Brugge star Raphael Onyedika. However, Leeds are not the only Premier League club looking, with West Ham keen.
Bailey told us that Onyedika fits the profile Leeds want: “I’ve been told one name who West Ham like is Onyedika at Club Brugge. Leeds have looked at him as well. They want that type of player, that physicality.
“He’s a very good player and it wouldn’t surprise me either. He’s a threat, West Ham are looking at him as a replacement for Soucek. But he’s one player Leeds are looking at, and Leeds have got loads of options.”
How much Onyedika would cost interested clubs this summer
Brugge have a big decision to make. The Nigeria international has two years left to run on his contract and if they choose to keep him, then they really need to offer him a deal to maintain Onyedika’s value.
Failure to do that and next season, they will be forced to sell to bring in a fee – and lose some of his value. This summer is key in Onyedika’s future, a player who played 11 times in the Champions League last term.
Onyedika is believed to be rated in the region of £25.6m, a fee affordable for both Leeds and West Ham. The Premier League will prove tempting and now it is down to Brugge to make a decision on the player.
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